Politics & Data Science

The MSc Politics and Data Science programme is specifically tailored to address the transformative impact of generative AI, large language models, and machine learning on political processes and their ethical implications.

This cutting-edge degree is an ideal choice for applicants from diverse backgrounds, aiming to explore the intersection of politics and advanced data science in the digital era.



The curriculum delves deeply into the ways generative AI and large language models are revolutionising our understanding of political discourse, public opinion, and policy-making. With a focus on the ethical and societal implications of these technologies, the programme equips students with a critical perspective on how data science shapes political narratives and decisions in both democratic and non-democratic regimes.



Work with the most popular programming languages (R and Python)

Apply computational approaches to pressing issues in politics and society

Conduct cutting-edge research in the group-based module Connected_Politics and the dissertation



Structured in two streams, the programme caters to students from varying academic backgrounds.



The first stream introduces students from social sciences, including political science, to advanced data science methods, emphasising the use of large language models and machine learning in political analysis.



The second stream, tailored for those with a technical background, focuses on political science research design and theories, integrating these with data science applications.



This programme not only offers comprehensive training in political science and its sub-disciplines but also equips students with empirical skills to navigate and analyse the complex interplay between politics and technology in the modern world. It prepares graduates to critically assess and contribute to the evolving landscape of politics in the age of data science and AI.

Stage 1 Core Modules



POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn 5

POL42570 Connected_Politics 1 Autumn 5

POL42350 Connected_Politics 2 Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - A)30CR:

All students must select either Internship or Thesis



POL42300 SPIRe Internship Summer 30

POL42310 Thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:

Tech Background Core Options: Stream 1 Tech Background students must select at least one module here.



POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:



Social Sci Background Core Modules: Stream 2 Social science background students must select BOTH modules here.



POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:



Social Sci Background Core Options: Stream 2 Social science students must select at least ONE module here.



POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - E) Min 0 of:



Option modules for students on both streams: select the remaining modules from this list to ensure a total of 60 credits from taught modules.



POL40100 Politics of Development Autumn 10

POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn 10

POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

DEV40020 Gender and Development Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10

POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring 10

POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism Spring 10

POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Spring 10

POL42580 Arab Perceptions of Conflict Spring 10

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1). 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.



Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement.



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No



The MSc in Politics and Data Science is aimed towards students with backgrounds in political science and related social sciences with a strong interest in learning data science methods, and towards students with a Computer Science or related technical background who want to study politics.

1/2 years, FT/PT, On Campus.

W473 MSc Politics & Data Science Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught



W474 MSc Politics & Data Science Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

Graduates from this programme will be ideally equipped for careers in a large and varied set of employment sectors. The combination of a solid understanding of social science theory and the technical ability to apply advanced data-science approaches to answer questions of political and societal relevance, makes our graduates a unique addition to any data science team.

Furthermore, graduates will be well-positioned to apply for quantitative social science PhD programmes with the aim of pursuing an academic career.



Potential future employers include:



Government

Tech industry

Corporate Sector

International Organisations (EU, UN, WTO, World Bank)

Non-Government Organisations

Not-for-profit sector

Public opinion institutes



​Potential roles include:



Think tanks

Political Advisor

Social Data Specialist

Data Scientist

Chief Information Officer

Social Science PhD candidate